Schornsteinfeger

chimney sweep

noun SHORN-shtain-fay-ger Rare

Origin: literally chimney-sweeper

Usage Note

Schornsteinfeger is the chimney sweep, combining Schornstein (chimney) and Feger (sweeper). The southern variant is Kaminkehrer. In German folklore the sweep is a bringer of luck (Glücksbringer), often depicted on New-Year cards. Plural unchanged; feminine Schornsteinfegerin.

Examples

"Der Schornsteinfeger gilt als Glücksbringer."

Natural Translation

The chimney sweep is regarded as a bringer of luck.

Literal Translation

The chimney-sweep counts as luck-bringer.

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